Will NAB references compel “natural allies” to shake hands?

Former President and Co-Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party(PPP) Asif Ali Zardari has iterated he would not come to rescue the dwindling political career of the former premier, Nawaz Sharif. While addressing media personnel, he dispelled the impression that the PPP bailed out Nawaz previously. “We never supported Nawaz Sharif or his government, we saved democracy”.

The 64-year old Khan, after leading a successful campaign to oust Nawaz from office has reiterated his resolve to continue his anti-corruption drive

He further went on to say that the PPP wants to see democracy evolve in the country as it is “a gradual process”. This was Zardari’s second discouraging statement in as many days as far as the PML-N is concerned. On Wednesday, the 61-year old had iterated that since democracy is not under threat, the PPP won’t offer a crutch to Nawaz who is bent-upon saving his own political career.

Zardari also said that time for alliances has gone, for the elections are fast-approaching. Bilawal Bhutto, who had earlier ruled-out joining hands with PML-N, reiterated his stance. “We will not support Nawaz Sharif and they should not expect any relief from us.”

Natural allies

During the press conference, Zardari alluded to the fact that nothing is final in politics. “We need to stay within the limits of democracy. Politics does not have an end point,” said Zardari. The PPP has been lambasted for being soft on the government over the pretext of saving democracy. It was Asif Zardari’s luncheon meeting with the then premier Nawaz Sharif which ensured PPP’s support against Imran Khan’s onslaught in 2014. The PPP, despite playing no role in bringing Nawaz to account, has come all-out to censure Nawaz.

The word is abuzz that the PML-N aims to garner support against Articles 62, 63, and NAB Ordinance. With Zardari also under NAB investigations, the idea of a union gains a lot of traction

However, political commentators in particular and the public, in general, are deeming this verbal war temporary. They feel that the two parties will cobble-up. There are reasons to believe these assertions. Senior leaders of PPP and PML-N have hinted that a dialogue between the two leading parties is not out of the equation. PPP’s Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira said: “In politics, one cannot close the doors of dialogue with any political party. “He said that there are permanent friends and foes in the realm of politics.

In all earnestness, the PPP is at loggerheads more so because Nawaz had been vociferous in hurting and subverting previous PPP governments. The PPP and other detractors of Nawaz remind him of his wholehearted support to the Supreme Court ruling which ousted PPP’s premier Yousaf Raza Gillani in 2012. Nawaz, before starting off his GT Road rally stated that Gillani was also wrongly removed. This acknowledgment may open up a window for a dialogue.

Foreign Minister, Khawaja Asif has also mentioned the likelihood of a dialogue between the two parties. Asif said he is confident that Zardari will agree to revive dialogue with the PML-N leadership. “Yes, if I am instructed by Nawaz Sharif, I can play a role to revive dialogue,” said the foreign minister.

The reference which was filed in 2001 was ordered to be reopened in 2009. However, since Zardari enjoyed immunity as President under Article 248, NAB re-opened the assets referenced in April 2015

“I am a political worker. Politics is the name of possibilities. Doors are not kept shut forever”. Indications aside, there are other reasons that can result in the revival of the bromance between Zardari and Sharif. Though not in limelight, the accountability court in Rawalpindi has quickened proceedings in the last pending corruption reference against Zardari. The court will continue day-to-day proceedings against the PPP co-chairperson today over a reference filed against him and Benazir Bhutto’s allegedly illegal assets, both in Pakistan and abroad.

The reference which was filed in 2001 was ordered to be reopened in 2009. However, since Zardari enjoyed immunity as President under Article 248, NAB re-opened the assets referenced in April 2015.

The word is abuzz that the PML-N aims to garner support against Articles 62,63, and NAB Ordinance. With Zardari also under NAB investigations, the idea of a union gains a lot of traction.

Lastly, both have a common political foe in Imran Khan. PPP is not likely to be chuffed with Khan, for he has openly said that he will bring Zardari to account soon. The 64-year old Khan, after leading a successful campaign to oust Nawaz from office has reiterated his resolve to continue his anti-corruption drive. In his Thanksgiving speech, he said: ”Zardari, now it is your turn. ”Perhaps, a weakened PML-N needs the PPP to stop the relentless Khan.

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